- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun working from the new No 10 North office in Manchester, marking a significant shift of power from Westminster.
- Chancellor John Healey joined Burnham on the first day at No 10 North, emphasizing the office's role in 'rewiring the state'.
- Burnham described his first day at No 10 North as "the best day of my life" and highlighted the importance of putting power in every postcode.
- During a national economic council meeting, Burnham told regional mayors that No 10 North was "at your service".
- Burnham held his first meeting at No 10 North, calling it "the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen".
- Burnham defended the cost of opening No 10 North, stating it is better to have "a north pole that balances the south pole".
- The new No 10 North office aims to shift power from Whitehall and Westminster to regions, promoting local economic growth.
- Burnham insists No 10 North is not a short-lived gimmick and will oversee strategic decisions on devolution and local economic growth.
- Political reactions include Liberal Democrats warning it must be more than a 'working from home base', while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticizes the ambitions as 'too small'.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham marked his inaugural day at No 10 North in Manchester, declaring it the 'best day of my life.' He emphasized the significance of this new branch of Downing Street, stating it represents the biggest rebalancing of power in the UK. Burnham, alongside Chancellor John Healey, aims to decentralize authority from London to regional governments, asserting that No 10 North is 'at your service.'124678
Burnham described the initiative as a means to create a more balanced country, countering criticisms from 'London-based' critics. He stated, 'At least it creates that sense of a more balanced country, and that big things can be done from here.' The new office, located in Heron House, will temporarily serve as the operational base while a permanent site is developed.
The Prime Minister plans to work from No 10 North weekly, chairing meetings of the National Economic Council to discuss strategic decisions on devolution and local economic growth. He reassured regional mayors that the government is committed to supporting all areas of the UK, not just the north-west. However, opposition parties have urged him to ensure that No 10 North delivers tangible benefits across the country, including rural and coastal regions.
Burnham's vision for No 10 North is ambitious, aiming for 'growth in every corner of the country' and a shift in how power is exercised in the UK.
“Burnham described his first day at No 10 North as the best day of his life and said the new office is about putting power in every postcode. Former royal protection head Dai Davies warned of millions in security costs, including 24/7 protection, underground detection, and a safe room.”
The Guardian
BBC
